CUMBRIA Tourism marked the twentieth anniversary for the career of their head of Partnership and Projects Rachel Tyson.

Rachel joined the organisation on September 1, 2002 and began a career that has spanned for two decades.

Her role as head of Partnerships and Projects has seen her work with numerous businesses and organisations across the county including in Barrow, Ulverston, Kendal and across the Lakes District.

Rachel said: “My role within Cumbria Tourism involves me managing our strategic partners program.

“We work with businesses classed as partners of Cumbria Tourism and I look after that side of things.

“I manage the large projects.

“I’m also working for our recruitment challenge and I’ve been heading that up over the last year.

“We try and help our industry fill the gaps in recruitment. It’s challenging but we’re always working on getting more people.

“My role also involves me going into schools and encouraging others to take up careers like I did. We use our careers within Cumbria Tourism to encourage young people.

“I was born in Crosthwaite but live in Bowness with my husband and two kids. I get to travel around the county a lot, particularly to Barrow, Ulverston, Kendal and a lot of places in the Lakes.

“I did my degree in Geography and it was hard finding a job, as it always is with your first job, but I got onto the graduate scheme for the board at Cumbria Tourism. Twenty years later I’m still here.

“On the day my colleagues arranged a surprise lunch for me.

“Everyone bought something and they gave me some lovely flowers and balloons.

“I love my job and I’m so grateful to all my amazing colleagues.”

Cumbria Tourism wrote: "Rachel joined CT, formerly known as Cumbria Tourist Board in 2002 back in our old Windermere office. Rachel has grown and developed a wide range of skills taking on various roles in varying departments throughout the years. It's no doubt that CT wouldn't be what it is today without Rachel, so big congratulations are due."

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